Friday, January 25, 2013

"O Gracious God who knows all our needs and cares for us daily with such great love, be with all who need special prayer today (you can mention people you know), who are in great need of your presence.

I light this candle of prayer and dedicate it for their needs.

May your light surround them; may your love be their support and may your life flow through them.

I dedicate the actions, prayers and duties of my day for their needs at this special time."

Fr Ed Hays, "Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim"

Here, in the midst of winter, there are those who will suffer this day. In the midst of what some consider a winter wonderland, others struggle with the darkness both around them and inside. Let us be aware of those whose winter days are difficult. I love this candle prayer from Fr. Ed Hays! I encourage you to use it while lighting a candle, either for someone you may know who is struggling, or for all who are suffering in our world. Let's light a tiny light to brighten this winter day! Love, heidi

Thursday, January 24, 2013

"If God is still a cardboard cutout in your life--still remote, still unknown, still impersonal--you haven't spent nearly enough time walking in the country, sitting in the dark, or laughing with friends."

Sr. Joan Chittister, "The Psalms"

Oh my, this is rich! I have experienced the touch of God in all of these circumstances! And this brings to mind so many other instances where God is so Present-with a capital "P." God is present in the car after a fun day, dozing with the kids in the backseat. God is present in the gazebo at the Motherhouse. God is present in Adoration. If we haven't experienced the intimate Presence of God, so close we can smell the fragrance of God, it certainly isn't God's fault. God is there, we just need to be aware. God is in our hearts, so wherever our hearts go, God is there. Isn't that a wonderful truth? Love, heidi

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

...grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand...'"

Mark 3:5

I noticed today, while reading this, that Jesus asks for some participation from those he heals. Sometimes, he asks the person being healed what it is they want. Sometimes, he tells them to go wash and show themselves to the priest. Jesus interacts with those he heals personally. It is especially evident when Jesus heals the woman with the hemorrhage who simply touches his cloak and is healed. He seeks her out and wants to interact with her. Jesus is a personal, interactive Healer. I think it is because, regardless of the physical healing that may have taken place, Jesus knows the REAL healing takes place in the heart of the individual. The hardness of heart, of the Pharisees in this case, and all of us imperfect humans in all cases, is the real disability here...not a withered hand, or leprosy, or blindness. Jesus melts and heals the human heart. And that is more powerful and awesome than curing a withered hand. Today, let's contemplate our hard, stony hearts and think of how Jesus can fill them with his love and compassion. And that will certainly cure what ails us! Love, heidi

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

...and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you."

Isaiah 62:4-5

It is always so wonderful to hear that God delights in us, isn't it? This was Sunday's reading and yet, here I am today, still enjoying it! I think so often we can beat ourselves up with all we do wrong we need to be reminded that God delights in us, faults and all. I heard a nice little thought on K-LOVE radio the other day, talking about parenting. We parents delight in our children at the various ages as they grow. We aren't disappointed, for example, when our three year old cannot multiply or divide numbers. We delight when they color within the lines! We don't expect our kids to perform tasks far beyond their age or ability, but we delight in them right where they are. Similarly, our Most Loving God encourages us in our growth, but loves us right at the stage we are in right now. Today, let's pause and remember that God delights in us and rejoices in us--right where we are! Love, heidi